New “Park it with Parker” Pavilion at South Crosby Public School will Honour Young Cancer Victim

Posted on 06/01/2018

June 1, 2018 (Elgin, ON) - South Crosby Public School (SCPS) is building a memorial to a young student who died of cancer to provide shade for students and remind them of a well-loved friend.

Construction began this week on the “Park it with Parker” pavilion. The 16 by 18-foot wooden structure will honour Parker Simpson, an 8-year-old SCPS student who died in February 2017. The structure will provide shade for students on the school yard, and will include picnic benches and buddy benches to provide a place to rest and talk with friends.

The pavilion, which will also be used for outdoor instruction, will eventually be decorated along a Star Wars theme - a movie franchise dear to Parker’s heart - and will bear signage telling the young boy’s story.

“When we started this process it was out of sadness and grief and wanting to do something to acknowledge that he was a part of our lives,” said Principal Monique Antoine-Hartley. “Now we have moved through that and it has become about honouring Parker and celebrating his life.”

“It’s just so amazing how one little boy has touched so many people’s lives.”

The $22,800 cost is being paid for through proceeds of a successful fundraising drive last spring and summer. A teacher and a student pledged to shave their heads in return for donations. The school also held a Toonie Toss, a Fun Day, and benefitted from the proceeds of the 2017 Brian Burtch Memorial Dance. A large number of personal donations were also received in Parker’s memory.

Construction on the pavilion is expected to be finished shortly. Signage will be added to the structure and there will be a dedication ceremony in the fall.